Eric Lindros, about to undergo wrist ligament surgery, might not be through with the Maple Leafs.

General manager John Ferguson was asked yesterday whether the Leafs would take a look at Lindros in 2006-07 if the forward was to make a full recovery during the summer .

"I wouldn't rule it out," Ferguson said, though it's obvious the 33-year-old has a long recovery ahead and would be offered less than the one-year, $1.55 million US he receives this year.

Carl Lindros, No. 88's father and agent, said yesterday the surgery would take place "very shortly," but declined to comment on his son's future with the Leafs.

TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS

Though his name has been mentioned in trade rumours and he reportedly has turned down a contract offer from the Leafs, defenceman Bryan McCabe apparently gets his news from different sources than the norm.

Coach Pat Quinn said Nik Antropov, who is nursing a shoulder/arm injury, is doubtful for tonight. It looks as though Quinn is leaning toward putting in Wade Belak ahead of Mariusz Czerkawski to take Antropov's spot up front.

Does it make sense, Quinn was asked, to insert Czerkawski into the lineup?

"I don't know if it makes sense or not," Quinn said.

CALLUP STOPS SHUTEYE

Brendan Bell was recalled from the Marlies to replace fellow rookie defenceman Andy Wozniewski, who has an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Jay Harrison, who has a small fracture in one of his hands, is expected to be back in the Marlies lineup Friday against Philadelphia. Harrison probably would have been called up instead of Bell had he not been hurt.

Bell said he had only about two hours sleep after the Marlies' game in Philadelphia on Sunday after he received word he was being recalled.

"It doesn't even seem to matter at this point," Bell said after practice. "This is as close as I have come since training camp in any year. I've got my chance and I am looking forward to a game or two."